Overview

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About the ISEE

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is widely accepted, accurate, and provides advanced insights to both schools and students to help guide the admission process. ERB works hard to support families throughout the process.

Testing Seasons

Students may register to take the ISEE one time in any or all of three testing seasons. The ISEE testing seasons are defined as Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March), and Spring/Summer (April–July). ISEE does not encourage multiple testing, but we do offer students and families that option.

Levels & Timing

The ISEE has four levels. All levels of the ISEE test include both reading and mathematics multiple-choice questions as well as a writing prompt. The number of questions and test timing vary by level.

Primary Level (entering Grades 2 - 4)

Primary Level 2 (entering Grade 2)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Auditory Comprehension

6

7 minutes

Reading

18

20 minutes

Mathematics

24

26 minutes

Writing Sample

1 picture prompt

Untimed

53 minutes + writing sample time

Primary Level 3 (entering Grade 3)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Reading

24

28 minutes

Mathematics

24

26 minutes

Writing Sample

1 picture prompt

Untimed

54 minutes + writing sample time

Primary Level 4 (entering Grade 4)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Reading

28

30 minutes

Mathematics

28

30 minutes

Writing Sample

1 prompt

Untimed

60 minutes + writing sample time

Lower Level (entering Grades 5 and 6)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Verbal Reasoning

34

20 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

38

35 minutes

Reading Comprehension

25

25 minutes

Mathematics Achievement

30

30 minutes

Essay

1 prompt

30 minutes

2 hours, 20 minutes

Middle Level (entering Grades 7 and 8)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Verbal Reasoning

40

20 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

37

35 minutes

Reading Comprehension

36

35 minutes

Mathematics Achievement

47

40 minutes

Essay

1 prompt

30 minutes

2 hours, 40 minutes

Upper Level (entering Grades 9 - 12)

Section

Questions

Time Allotted

Verbal Reasoning

40

20 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

37

35 minutes

Reading Comprehension

36

35 minutes

Mathematics Achievement

47

40 minutes

Essay

1 prompt

30 minutes

2 hours, 40 minutes

Formats

The ISEE is available in both online and paper testing formats. Format availability varies by level and test location. Both modalities have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same opportunity for students to change their answers within a test section.

Online Tests (All Levels)

Online tests are available for all levels. Test questions are presented on a testing device and multiple-choice responses are marked on a testing device. The essay portion of the test is typed. Scratch paper and pencils are provided by the test site.

Paper Tests (Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels)

Paper tests are available only for students entering Grades 5 - 12 (Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels). Test questions are presented in a test booklet and multiple-choice responses are bubbled on a separate answer document using a #2 or HB pencil. Blank space in the test booklet may be used as scratch paper. Students handwrite the essay in the space provided on the answer sheet, using a black or blue ballpoint pen. Erasable pens are permitted.

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